Local News Storieshttp://98q.com
Local News Headlinesen-usNew Milford Mayor proposes $101.8 million budgethttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/65c28c087e8281926107c23b8ac6cac1
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:43:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/65c28c087e8281926107c23b8ac6cac1New Milford Mayor Pete Bass has started making staff reductions he announced last week in response to state budget cuts. The assistant police chief, the assistant director of Parks and Recreation and the Public Works project manager have been laid off. Bass says they received six weeks of severance and health insurance until April 30th, more than legally required. He says the decisions were not made lightly, but were necessary to not put the entire burden on taxpayers.

There was a bit of a controversy over whether the laying off the Assistant Parks and Rec Director was legal or not. According to the town charter, the Commission gets to vote on employee terminations, but Mayor Pete Bass does have the discretion to lay off employees. The Parks and Rec Commission is looking into what cost-cutting measures can be taken to save enough money to keep the position.

Bass is proposing a $101.8 million budget, with a decrease of about $8,600 on the town side and an increase of about $868,000 for the schools. But the school funding is about $600,000 less than the increase the Board of Education is calling for.

New Milford is facing projected revenue declines in Building Department permit fees and Parks and Recreation program and park fees. Bass says there's a $50,000 reduction included in his budget for the Commission on Aging to fix what he says is a transportation grant that was double counted.

The New Milford budget includes $55,000 for a grant writer. Bass says the employee will be in charge of eliminating a deficiencies in the most recent Audit, with a focus on obtaining new grants to increase revenues.

]]>New Milford Mayor Pete Bass has started making staff reductions he announced last week in response to state budget cuts. The assistant police chief, the assistant director of Parks and Recreation and the Public Works project manager have been laid off. Bass says they received six weeks of severance and health insurance until April 30th, more than legally required. He says the decisions were not made lightly, but were necessary to not put the entire burden on taxpayers.

There was a bit of a controversy over whether the laying off the Assistant Parks and Rec Director was legal or not. According to the town charter, the Commission gets to vote on employee terminations, but Mayor Pete Bass does have the discretion to lay off employees. The Parks and Rec Commission is looking into what cost-cutting measures can be taken to save enough money to keep the position.

Bass is proposing a $101.8 million budget, with a decrease of about $8,600 on the town side and an increase of about $868,000 for the schools. But the school funding is about $600,000 less than the increase the Board of Education is calling for.

New Milford is facing projected revenue declines in Building Department permit fees and Parks and Recreation program and park fees. Bass says there's a $50,000 reduction included in his budget for the Commission on Aging to fix what he says is a transportation grant that was double counted.

The New Milford budget includes $55,000 for a grant writer. Bass says the employee will be in charge of eliminating a deficiencies in the most recent Audit, with a focus on obtaining new grants to increase revenues.

]]>Danbury to celebrate Chinese New Year this weekendhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/b52dbf82fa9f10538405e2a509f6fe92
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:42:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/b52dbf82fa9f10538405e2a509f6fe92Danbury High School is hosting a 2018 Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday. The event is also hosted by Westside Middle School Academy and the Western Connecticut Chinese Association, along with Huaxia CT Chinese School. The event is from 2 to 3pm with performances scheduled from 3 to 5pm. Performances include folk dances, traditional instruments, and Chinese calligraphy, among others.
]]>Danbury High School is hosting a 2018 Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday. The event is also hosted by Westside Middle School Academy and the Western Connecticut Chinese Association, along with Huaxia CT Chinese School. The event is from 2 to 3pm with performances scheduled from 3 to 5pm. Performances include folk dances, traditional instruments, and Chinese calligraphy, among others.
]]>Brewster man arrested twice during NY State Police holiday weekend DWI crackdownhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/c6987b35b8f4dd1a1439ae44a7de82ff
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 12:41:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/c6987b35b8f4dd1a1439ae44a7de82ffA Brewster man was arrested twice in three days by New York State Police. 32-year old Alfred Dajanaj was stopped on Saturday on Route 22 in Southeast for a traffic law violation. He was also stopped on Monday in the same area. Investigations revealed that he was impaired by alcohol both days and was arrested.

New York State Police in the Putnam and Westchester areas removed two dozen drunk drivers from the roadway during the Presidents' Day holiday weekend.

Among those stopped for traffic violations and determined to be impaired on Saturday was 31-year old John Taveras Espinal of Danbury. He was stopped on Route 6 in Southeast.

]]>A Brewster man was arrested twice in three days by New York State Police. 32-year old Alfred Dajanaj was stopped on Saturday on Route 22 in Southeast for a traffic law violation. He was also stopped on Monday in the same area. Investigations revealed that he was impaired by alcohol both days and was arrested.

New York State Police in the Putnam and Westchester areas removed two dozen drunk drivers from the roadway during the Presidents' Day holiday weekend.

Among those stopped for traffic violations and determined to be impaired on Saturday was 31-year old John Taveras Espinal of Danbury. He was stopped on Route 6 in Southeast.

]]>Trump says more must be done to protect childrenhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/93d009f8d947f77ef9e2ac215d0bb0e1
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:46:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/93d009f8d947f77ef9e2ac215d0bb0e1WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is declaring that more must be done to protect America's children.

With a Florida community grieving over the latest school shooting, Trump is directing the Justice Department to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre.

On Wednesday afternoon, Trump is hosting parents, teachers and students for a ``listening session'' that will include people impacted by the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, and the shootings in Columbine, Colorado, and Newtown.

In a tweet Tuesday night, Trump indicated he wants to strengthen the background check system, but offered no specifics.

Sen. Chris Murphy said Trump's directive on bump stocks suggested the president was aware of fresh energy on the issue and called it a sign that "for the first time" politicians are "scared of the political consequences of inaction on guns."

A bipartisan legislative effort to ban bump stocks last year fizzled out. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced in December that it was reviewing whether weapons using bump stocks should be considered illegal machine guns under federal law.

The federal background check bill was developed in response to a mass shooting last November in which a gunman slaughtered more than two dozen people at a Texas church. It would penalize federal agencies that don't properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences. The measure, which is pending in the Senate, was drafted after the Air Force acknowledged that it failed to report the Texas gunman's domestic violence conviction to the National Criminal Information Center database.

The GOP-controlled House paired the background checks bill with a measure making it easier for gun owners to legally carry concealed weapons across state lines. The concealed carry measure would allow gun owners with a state-issued concealed-carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons.

Murphy said any attempt to combine background checks with concealed-carry provisions would significantly jeopardize the chances of passing bipartisan reform of the background checks system.

]]>WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump is declaring that more must be done to protect America's children.

With a Florida community grieving over the latest school shooting, Trump is directing the Justice Department to ban devices like the rapid-fire bump stocks used in last year's Las Vegas massacre.

On Wednesday afternoon, Trump is hosting parents, teachers and students for a ``listening session'' that will include people impacted by the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, and the shootings in Columbine, Colorado, and Newtown.

In a tweet Tuesday night, Trump indicated he wants to strengthen the background check system, but offered no specifics.

Sen. Chris Murphy said Trump's directive on bump stocks suggested the president was aware of fresh energy on the issue and called it a sign that "for the first time" politicians are "scared of the political consequences of inaction on guns."

A bipartisan legislative effort to ban bump stocks last year fizzled out. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced in December that it was reviewing whether weapons using bump stocks should be considered illegal machine guns under federal law.

The federal background check bill was developed in response to a mass shooting last November in which a gunman slaughtered more than two dozen people at a Texas church. It would penalize federal agencies that don't properly report required records and reward states that comply by providing them with federal grant preferences. The measure, which is pending in the Senate, was drafted after the Air Force acknowledged that it failed to report the Texas gunman's domestic violence conviction to the National Criminal Information Center database.

The GOP-controlled House paired the background checks bill with a measure making it easier for gun owners to legally carry concealed weapons across state lines. The concealed carry measure would allow gun owners with a state-issued concealed-carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons.

Murphy said any attempt to combine background checks with concealed-carry provisions would significantly jeopardize the chances of passing bipartisan reform of the background checks system.

A Patterson man has been arrested for sexually abusing a child. New York State Police launched an investigation in August of reported abuse by 61-year old Anthony Marino of a child under age 13.

An investigation determined that Marino engaged in sexual conduct with a child multiple times. He was arraigned and ordered held on $50,000 bond.

Marino was charged with sexual conduct with a child, sexual misconduct, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.

]]>

A Patterson man has been arrested for sexually abusing a child. New York State Police launched an investigation in August of reported abuse by 61-year old Anthony Marino of a child under age 13.

An investigation determined that Marino engaged in sexual conduct with a child multiple times. He was arraigned and ordered held on $50,000 bond.

Marino was charged with sexual conduct with a child, sexual misconduct, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.

]]>Danbury motorcyclist arrested for leading police on high-speed highway chasehttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/0f1fc7efebed8222692325069e9b7553
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:25:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/0f1fc7efebed8222692325069e9b7553A Danbury man has been arrested after leading state police on a highway chase that topped 100 miles an hour yesterday afternoon. A Trooper by exit 6 on I-84 westbound observed a motorcycle travelling 85 miles an hour, and began to follow with lights and sirens activated. The driver, later determined to be 29-year old Gary Lessard, sped to over 105 miles an hour. State Police say the trooper stopped the chase when Lessard started driving in the right shoulder. A DMV search of the plate led to Lessard at his work place. He was charged with reckless driving, engaging in a police pursuit, passing on the right and operating without a motorcycle endorsed license. He was held on bond.
]]>A Danbury man has been arrested after leading state police on a highway chase that topped 100 miles an hour yesterday afternoon. A Trooper by exit 6 on I-84 westbound observed a motorcycle travelling 85 miles an hour, and began to follow with lights and sirens activated. The driver, later determined to be 29-year old Gary Lessard, sped to over 105 miles an hour. State Police say the trooper stopped the chase when Lessard started driving in the right shoulder. A DMV search of the plate led to Lessard at his work place. He was charged with reckless driving, engaging in a police pursuit, passing on the right and operating without a motorcycle endorsed license. He was held on bond.
]]>NY man blocking neighbor's driveway arrested on drug related chargeshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/2b3a79357485cfe8585ce314a31bc5a8
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:25:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/2b3a79357485cfe8585ce314a31bc5a8

A New York man has been arrested on drug related charges after a neighbor complaint that he was blocking a Patterson driveway. New York State Police responded to Haviland Drive on Sunday and spoke with the vehicle owner, 24-year old Austin Hayes. Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were seen in the car. The Patterson man was in possession of over 4 pounds of marijuana, 2.5 grams of cannabis and more than $1,100 in cash. Hayes was arraigned and order held on bond. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia.

]]>

A New York man has been arrested on drug related charges after a neighbor complaint that he was blocking a Patterson driveway. New York State Police responded to Haviland Drive on Sunday and spoke with the vehicle owner, 24-year old Austin Hayes. Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were seen in the car. The Patterson man was in possession of over 4 pounds of marijuana, 2.5 grams of cannabis and more than $1,100 in cash. Hayes was arraigned and order held on bond. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia.

]]>Danbury woman accused of hiding drugs in 'private area'http://98q.com/local-news-stories/ba1bb935eba794b3581c0e716aa438fd
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:23:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/ba1bb935eba794b3581c0e716aa438fdA Danbury woman has been arrested for hiding drugs in a private area. Wilton Police stopped a car on Valentine's Day for traffic violations. The driver, a 32-year old Norwalk man, was determined to be under the influence. Wilton Police said yesterday that officer saw his passenger hide something under her leg during the traffic stop. Police found 28-year old Shaina Piermattei hiding 3 wax folds and a cut straw with heroin residue on it. At the Police station, it was determined that Piermattei was concealing 11 more folds of heroin in a “private area,” according to police. She was charged with tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Piermattei is due in court on the 27th.
]]>A Danbury woman has been arrested for hiding drugs in a private area. Wilton Police stopped a car on Valentine's Day for traffic violations. The driver, a 32-year old Norwalk man, was determined to be under the influence. Wilton Police said yesterday that officer saw his passenger hide something under her leg during the traffic stop. Police found 28-year old Shaina Piermattei hiding 3 wax folds and a cut straw with heroin residue on it. At the Police station, it was determined that Piermattei was concealing 11 more folds of heroin in a “private area,” according to police. She was charged with tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Piermattei is due in court on the 27th.
]]>Bethel Board of Ed present budget to town officials for considerationhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/04e19e4d17f4ec21d91f2e47de191fbf
Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:23:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/04e19e4d17f4ec21d91f2e47de191fbfThe Bethel Board of Education has approved a budget proposal from the Superintendent without changes. The proposed $4.2 million budget is a 1.9 percent increase over the current year. Most of the increase is for contractual obligations. Despite growing enrollment, the budget does call for cutting 2.5 full time positions. Funding for an English language learners teacher and a preschool teacher is included. The Board of Ed will present the proposal to the Boards of Selectmen and Finance Wednesday at 6:30pm during a joint meeting in the municipal center.
]]>The Bethel Board of Education has approved a budget proposal from the Superintendent without changes. The proposed $4.2 million budget is a 1.9 percent increase over the current year. Most of the increase is for contractual obligations. Despite growing enrollment, the budget does call for cutting 2.5 full time positions. Funding for an English language learners teacher and a preschool teacher is included. The Board of Ed will present the proposal to the Boards of Selectmen and Finance Wednesday at 6:30pm during a joint meeting in the municipal center.
]]>Region 12 opens online survey in Superintendent searchhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/06532e0ea661b34159af23f9d9546fc7
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:48:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/06532e0ea661b34159af23f9d9546fc7The Region 12 Board of Education has begun its search for the next Superintendent of Schools. Residents in Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington are being called on to give their opinion on what are the needed characteristics and attributes of a successful district leader. An online survey has been posted and is available until March 22nd. The search is being led by consultant, Dr. Joseph Erardi, the former Newtown school superintendent.
]]>The Region 12 Board of Education has begun its search for the next Superintendent of Schools. Residents in Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington are being called on to give their opinion on what are the needed characteristics and attributes of a successful district leader. An online survey has been posted and is available until March 22nd. The search is being led by consultant, Dr. Joseph Erardi, the former Newtown school superintendent.
]]>Monroe state Representative to seek reelectionhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/715a4b5ed64d03e4798c5e8b9fd4653d
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:47:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/715a4b5ed64d03e4798c5e8b9fd4653dState Representative JP Sredzinski plans to seek a third term in November. The 112th district includes part of Newtown and all of Monroe. He is currently ranking member of the Public Safety & Security Committee, and a member of the Appropriations and the Energy & Technology Committees. Sredzinski, a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, is a a charter member of the recently formed Fire/EMS Caucus.
]]>State Representative JP Sredzinski plans to seek a third term in November. The 112th district includes part of Newtown and all of Monroe. He is currently ranking member of the Public Safety & Security Committee, and a member of the Appropriations and the Energy & Technology Committees. Sredzinski, a Public Safety Dispatch Supervisor, is a a charter member of the recently formed Fire/EMS Caucus.
]]>Bethel Fire & EMS testing out new equipmenthttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/e7cb837db48be20161a34c927feee052
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:47:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/e7cb837db48be20161a34c927feee052Bethel Fire and EMS have released their report on calls for service from January. There were a total of 43 calls for the fire department, including 6 for assistance at car accidents. There was one electrical fire, 1 kitchen fire, 1 animal rescue and 1 call about broken pipes. Bethel firefighters responded to 8 automatic alarms, 4 calls to investigate the smell of smoke and 4 about carbon monoxide or a gas leak.

There were a total of 144 EMS calls in January.

Bethel Fire and EMS is testing out some new equipment options to find the so-called bail out kit that best fits the department needs. Assistant Chief Brendan Ryan wrote on Facebook that the gear is critical to overall safety, but something they hope never to need. The bailout kit is a harness-like device that can help a firefighter safely evacuate a building in low visibility, high heat situations. Flash Fire industries recently brought a two story training prop to the Bethel Fire Department for members to try out two different systems.

The gear became mandatory in all New York State departments after an FDNY member was trapped in an illegally altered apartment and forced out a window, falling over 40 feet to the pavement below.

]]>Bethel Fire and EMS have released their report on calls for service from January. There were a total of 43 calls for the fire department, including 6 for assistance at car accidents. There was one electrical fire, 1 kitchen fire, 1 animal rescue and 1 call about broken pipes. Bethel firefighters responded to 8 automatic alarms, 4 calls to investigate the smell of smoke and 4 about carbon monoxide or a gas leak.

There were a total of 144 EMS calls in January.

Bethel Fire and EMS is testing out some new equipment options to find the so-called bail out kit that best fits the department needs. Assistant Chief Brendan Ryan wrote on Facebook that the gear is critical to overall safety, but something they hope never to need. The bailout kit is a harness-like device that can help a firefighter safely evacuate a building in low visibility, high heat situations. Flash Fire industries recently brought a two story training prop to the Bethel Fire Department for members to try out two different systems.

The gear became mandatory in all New York State departments after an FDNY member was trapped in an illegally altered apartment and forced out a window, falling over 40 feet to the pavement below.

]]>Newtown Police Commission seeks speed limit reduction on parts of two state roadshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/6ef463eb6c4bbf5ad3d6b9fd2b832a0d
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:45:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/6ef463eb6c4bbf5ad3d6b9fd2b832a0dThe state Department of Transportation is bing asked by the Newtown Police Commission to reduce posted speed limits along part of Mt Pleasant Road.

The posted limit is 45 miles an hour, and the Newtown Bee reports that the Commission wants it to be 40 miles an hour between the Bethel town line and the intersection with Blackman Road. The two miles technically are Routes 6 and 25.

The same reduction is being sought for South Main Street between the intersection with Pecks Lane and the bridge crossing the Pootatuck River, about half a mile.

The Bee reports that over the last three years there were at least 30 accidents on each section of road.

]]>The state Department of Transportation is bing asked by the Newtown Police Commission to reduce posted speed limits along part of Mt Pleasant Road.

The posted limit is 45 miles an hour, and the Newtown Bee reports that the Commission wants it to be 40 miles an hour between the Bethel town line and the intersection with Blackman Road. The two miles technically are Routes 6 and 25.

The same reduction is being sought for South Main Street between the intersection with Pecks Lane and the bridge crossing the Pootatuck River, about half a mile.

The Bee reports that over the last three years there were at least 30 accidents on each section of road.

]]>Easton Police K9 celebrates birthday, gets emergency medical bag donationhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/535b057b58b412a8d2bf21b7e2a091fd
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:46:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/535b057b58b412a8d2bf21b7e2a091fdEaston Police K9 TJ has celebrated his 2nd birthday. Officer Tamra French received an emergency medical bag from the Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service, to be able to provide a 24 hour, rapid response to disaster, medical, accident and other incidents that impact animals throughout the state.
]]>Easton Police K9 TJ has celebrated his 2nd birthday. Officer Tamra French received an emergency medical bag from the Connecticut Emergency Animal Response Service, to be able to provide a 24 hour, rapid response to disaster, medical, accident and other incidents that impact animals throughout the state.
]]>Family pet died in fire at historic Bethel homehttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/ed7de98481db6b86bc702ad59983e84e
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:53:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/ed7de98481db6b86bc702ad59983e84eTwo people escaped a house fire in Bethel yesterday morning, but a family pet died. Firefighters responded to an historic home on Judd Avenue shortly before 9am. The fire started in the basement and firefighters were able to contain the flames to that area. There was extensive smoke damage to the rest of the 1845 house.

One resident was taken to the hospital for evaluation. One cat was rescued by firefighters, but did not respond to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Another cat escaped on its own.

Mutual aid was provided by Newtown, Brookfield and Danbury fire departments. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Bethel Emergency Management & Fire Marshal.

]]>Two people escaped a house fire in Bethel yesterday morning, but a family pet died. Firefighters responded to an historic home on Judd Avenue shortly before 9am. The fire started in the basement and firefighters were able to contain the flames to that area. There was extensive smoke damage to the rest of the 1845 house.

One resident was taken to the hospital for evaluation. One cat was rescued by firefighters, but did not respond to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Another cat escaped on its own.

Mutual aid was provided by Newtown, Brookfield and Danbury fire departments. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Bethel Emergency Management & Fire Marshal.

]]>Putnam County officials tout School Resource Officer programhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/c25b638b47a0f57bd2254285eaf587ec
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:52:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/c25b638b47a0f57bd2254285eaf587ecThe Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reaffirming its commitment to the School Resource Officer Program in response to last week's Florida high school shooting. Sheriff Robert Langley says they continue to work with the County Executive and the Legislators to maintain the position of the Sheriff’s Office.

He says the resource officers are an instrumental asset to the community and provide a direct connection between the children and staff in Putnam County schools and law enforcement. Langley reminded parents, staff and other adults to not dismiss what children and others are saying, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

The School Resource Officer program has been in Putnam County schools since 1996.

The county and the individual school districts share the cost of respective officer. The Brewster School District has three officers; one the district is completely financially responsible for.

Carmel School Superintendent Andy Irving is a proponent of the program. He says there is no single development in school safety and security that has had a greater impact than the SRO program, with benefits that go beyond school security. The uniformed certified law enforcement officer, assigned full time to a school, works as an educator, law enforcer and counselor.

]]>The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is reaffirming its commitment to the School Resource Officer Program in response to last week's Florida high school shooting. Sheriff Robert Langley says they continue to work with the County Executive and the Legislators to maintain the position of the Sheriff’s Office.

He says the resource officers are an instrumental asset to the community and provide a direct connection between the children and staff in Putnam County schools and law enforcement. Langley reminded parents, staff and other adults to not dismiss what children and others are saying, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

The School Resource Officer program has been in Putnam County schools since 1996.

The county and the individual school districts share the cost of respective officer. The Brewster School District has three officers; one the district is completely financially responsible for.

Carmel School Superintendent Andy Irving is a proponent of the program. He says there is no single development in school safety and security that has had a greater impact than the SRO program, with benefits that go beyond school security. The uniformed certified law enforcement officer, assigned full time to a school, works as an educator, law enforcer and counselor.

]]>Esty seeks to expand VA peer counselor program for female veteranshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/4dcdc8d487625d5de75a002e01f5d08b
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:51:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/4dcdc8d487625d5de75a002e01f5d08bCongresswoman Elizabeth Esty has introduced a bill to equip the Department of Veterans Affairs Peer Support Program with an adequate amount of peer counselors to help address the mental health needs of female veterans.

A 2016 VA report on mental health found that the "risk for suicide was 2.5 times higher among female veterans when compared with U-S civilian adult women. The agency also determined that female veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, who have mental health conditions, or are at risk of becoming homeless face numerous barriers in seeking and accessing assistance, including through VA.

The Program currently employs more than 1,000 peer counselors in VA health care facilities and Community Based Outpatient Clinics around the country. They are trained to help veterans manage and overcome mental health conditions, substance use disorders, homelessness, and other challenges.

]]>Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty has introduced a bill to equip the Department of Veterans Affairs Peer Support Program with an adequate amount of peer counselors to help address the mental health needs of female veterans.

A 2016 VA report on mental health found that the "risk for suicide was 2.5 times higher among female veterans when compared with U-S civilian adult women. The agency also determined that female veterans who experienced military sexual trauma, who have mental health conditions, or are at risk of becoming homeless face numerous barriers in seeking and accessing assistance, including through VA.

The Program currently employs more than 1,000 peer counselors in VA health care facilities and Community Based Outpatient Clinics around the country. They are trained to help veterans manage and overcome mental health conditions, substance use disorders, homelessness, and other challenges.

]]>State Bond Commission approves money for WCSU, Danbury line of Metro Northhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/06e50d1ec2db0edaba2a57f2205a925f
Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:46:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/06e50d1ec2db0edaba2a57f2205a925fThe state Bond Commission has met to approved funding, some for road repair and maintenance. There was also $6 million approved for improvements to Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Connecticut State University buildings. The work includes restoration of academic facilities, upgrading safety systems and other ground improvements.

$15 million in bond money was also approved for construction of a new dock yard for the Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. Other funding will be used for make ADA improvements at judicial branch facilities across the state. There was also bond money approved for brownfield remediation, upgrades for Department of Veteran Affairs properties and for housing programs to combat homelessness.

Governor Malloy defended approval of $10 million to a provide a grant-in-aid to Hartford for improvements at Dillon Stadium and Colt Park. He says the funding is subject to Hartford approving an agreement to license the stadium to a professional sports team.

]]>The state Bond Commission has met to approved funding, some for road repair and maintenance. There was also $6 million approved for improvements to Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern Connecticut State University buildings. The work includes restoration of academic facilities, upgrading safety systems and other ground improvements.

$15 million in bond money was also approved for construction of a new dock yard for the Danbury Branch Line in Norwalk. Other funding will be used for make ADA improvements at judicial branch facilities across the state. There was also bond money approved for brownfield remediation, upgrades for Department of Veteran Affairs properties and for housing programs to combat homelessness.

Governor Malloy defended approval of $10 million to a provide a grant-in-aid to Hartford for improvements at Dillon Stadium and Colt Park. He says the funding is subject to Hartford approving an agreement to license the stadium to a professional sports team.

]]>New Milford Mayor plans staffing reductions to deal with state budget cutshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/63c27a384643fc9d0487ab07a29df92e
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:26:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/63c27a384643fc9d0487ab07a29df92eFaced with drastic revenue cuts from the state, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass has announced a staffing reduction. He is also cutting additional expenses in an effort to address the $700,000 shortfall this fiscal year. If no action was taken, Bass says he would have had to budget for a more than 10-percent tax increase.

The staffing reduction will be made through a mix of cutting existing positions, not filling vacancies and denying requested additional positions for the coming budget year. Bass says New Milford is facing a more than $3 million projected revenue decline next fiscal year, the equivalent of the four largest taxpayers leaving New Milford.

Bass is planning to meet with the Board of Education about how to address a reduction in educational cost sharing funding from the state. He says that, coupled with substantially increased healthcare costs, have driven the need to look at structural changes.

He says the Board is working to find savings and efficiencies that do not impact the quality of the education.

]]>Faced with drastic revenue cuts from the state, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass has announced a staffing reduction. He is also cutting additional expenses in an effort to address the $700,000 shortfall this fiscal year. If no action was taken, Bass says he would have had to budget for a more than 10-percent tax increase.

The staffing reduction will be made through a mix of cutting existing positions, not filling vacancies and denying requested additional positions for the coming budget year. Bass says New Milford is facing a more than $3 million projected revenue decline next fiscal year, the equivalent of the four largest taxpayers leaving New Milford.

Bass is planning to meet with the Board of Education about how to address a reduction in educational cost sharing funding from the state. He says that, coupled with substantially increased healthcare costs, have driven the need to look at structural changes.

He says the Board is working to find savings and efficiencies that do not impact the quality of the education.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has proposed limiting access to the database to political parties, candidates, journalists, researchers and governmental agencies. She also wants to prevent full birth dates of voters from being released.

The Democrat, who is up for re-election this year, says she's motivated by the thousands of voters who contacted her office with privacy concerns after a now-disbanded presidential commission sought reams of data.

Republican secretary of the state candidate Susan Chapman, of New Fairfield, likes protecting the file, but questions why Merrill didn't do this earlier.

The executive director of the election advocacy group Common Cause calls Merrill's proposal troubling, noting how much of the information is already available on the internet.
]]>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Marketing companies and other private entities may no longer be able to purchase Connecticut's voter list.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has proposed limiting access to the database to political parties, candidates, journalists, researchers and governmental agencies. She also wants to prevent full birth dates of voters from being released.

The Democrat, who is up for re-election this year, says she's motivated by the thousands of voters who contacted her office with privacy concerns after a now-disbanded presidential commission sought reams of data.

Republican secretary of the state candidate Susan Chapman, of New Fairfield, likes protecting the file, but questions why Merrill didn't do this earlier.

The executive director of the election advocacy group Common Cause calls Merrill's proposal troubling, noting how much of the information is already available on the internet.
]]>Funding for basketball courts in Danbury could be in jeopardyhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/06293c4500db8ddee12ddb7dd5dbaaff
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:19:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/06293c4500db8ddee12ddb7dd5dbaaffAssuming funding will be available , Danbury officials are looking into sites for new basketball courts. But the City has had to absorb several million dollars worth of cuts from the state in the current year's budget so it's questionable if the funding will be available. Even though the money was budgeted for in Danbury, Mayor Mark Boughton says he will have to balance the City's need. If more classrooms are needed, he says that would take priority over basketball courts.

Officials did checked out a site in the Rogers Park area, but Boughton says they're still uncertain about locations because of two reasons.

One is that while they want 12 to 18 year olds to be able to have access, inevitably 18 to 25 year olds will take over and won't let the younger kids play. The other problem is that some youth don't want to play there if supervision is provided to even out playing time.

Boughton says they're still searching for a place that's centrally located, and visible from the roadway.

]]>Assuming funding will be available , Danbury officials are looking into sites for new basketball courts. But the City has had to absorb several million dollars worth of cuts from the state in the current year's budget so it's questionable if the funding will be available. Even though the money was budgeted for in Danbury, Mayor Mark Boughton says he will have to balance the City's need. If more classrooms are needed, he says that would take priority over basketball courts.

Officials did checked out a site in the Rogers Park area, but Boughton says they're still uncertain about locations because of two reasons.

One is that while they want 12 to 18 year olds to be able to have access, inevitably 18 to 25 year olds will take over and won't let the younger kids play. The other problem is that some youth don't want to play there if supervision is provided to even out playing time.

Boughton says they're still searching for a place that's centrally located, and visible from the roadway.

]]>Local state of emergency ended in Kent after ice jam, floodinghttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/5ca72a8b668edbd41a2f70df0559d8ec
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:17:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/5ca72a8b668edbd41a2f70df0559d8ecThe local state of Emergency has been lifted in Kent. The ice jam on the Housatonic has moved out of town. The Incident Public Information Officer, state Representative Brian Ohler, says the temperatures over the past week and a half, combined with some moderate precipitation, have allowed the river water to soften and loosen the ice jam.

The State of Emergency was in place for a total of 33 days.

Ohler says the size of the ice jam and the length of time that it decided to take up residency in Kent was out of the norm, but the way it melted was the scenario Incident Managers and Meteorologists were hoping for.

He notes that there were no injuries or fatalities to report. A few families are receiving assistance for damages to their homes due to the ice jam and the subsequent flooding.

]]>The local state of Emergency has been lifted in Kent. The ice jam on the Housatonic has moved out of town. The Incident Public Information Officer, state Representative Brian Ohler, says the temperatures over the past week and a half, combined with some moderate precipitation, have allowed the river water to soften and loosen the ice jam.

The State of Emergency was in place for a total of 33 days.

Ohler says the size of the ice jam and the length of time that it decided to take up residency in Kent was out of the norm, but the way it melted was the scenario Incident Managers and Meteorologists were hoping for.

He notes that there were no injuries or fatalities to report. A few families are receiving assistance for damages to their homes due to the ice jam and the subsequent flooding.

]]>Storm causes power outages, road closures and accidentshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/3beaecbf6fa40a10f84bf7d2464c7124
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:16:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/3beaecbf6fa40a10f84bf7d2464c7124More than a thousand power outages were reported in Danbury over the weekend. Firefighters responded to Lake and Well Avenues on a report of a downed tree, which also took down utility wires. The roads were closed while crews removed the tree and fixed the electric lines.

There was a roll over accident in Danbury around 10:30 Sunday morning. One lane on Clapboard Ridge Road near Ledgemere Drive was closed as crews cleared the car. A person in the vehicle was injured and transported to the hospital.

In Ridgefield, two people were injured in a three car crash on Route 7. The accident happened between New Road and Cains Hill Road and closed Route 7 for about an hour.

]]>More than a thousand power outages were reported in Danbury over the weekend. Firefighters responded to Lake and Well Avenues on a report of a downed tree, which also took down utility wires. The roads were closed while crews removed the tree and fixed the electric lines.

There was a roll over accident in Danbury around 10:30 Sunday morning. One lane on Clapboard Ridge Road near Ledgemere Drive was closed as crews cleared the car. A person in the vehicle was injured and transported to the hospital.

In Ridgefield, two people were injured in a three car crash on Route 7. The accident happened between New Road and Cains Hill Road and closed Route 7 for about an hour.

]]>Local lawmaker discusses campaign financing law changeshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/f7babe253372527e6dda5fc73f26ee06
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:15:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/f7babe253372527e6dda5fc73f26ee06An Informational Forum has been held on the Connecticut Citizens' Election Program. Danbury Senator Mike McLachlan is co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, which took testimony about changes to the program.

The voluntary system of publicly financing campaigns was created in 2005, in response to the corruption scandal that forced John Rowland to resign as Governor.

Participants can accept individual donations of no more than $100, most from their district, and meet fundraising thresholds. They are then awarded grants. The budget adopted in October includes a provision that mandates complaints unresolved by the State Elections Enforcement Commission in a year be dismissed. But there's been a 40 percent reduction in SEEC staff over the years. It also raised the limit on qualifying contributions to $250.

There were some concerns raised about the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, which threw out prohibitions on independent expenditures by corporations and unions. McLachlan objected to provisions adopted in 2013 that allowed the state parties to make unlimited expenditures on Connecticut legislative races. There had been a limit of $10,000. He says a candidate's friends or family could be directed to give thousands of dollars through the state parties.

]]>An Informational Forum has been held on the Connecticut Citizens' Election Program. Danbury Senator Mike McLachlan is co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee, which took testimony about changes to the program.

The voluntary system of publicly financing campaigns was created in 2005, in response to the corruption scandal that forced John Rowland to resign as Governor.

Participants can accept individual donations of no more than $100, most from their district, and meet fundraising thresholds. They are then awarded grants. The budget adopted in October includes a provision that mandates complaints unresolved by the State Elections Enforcement Commission in a year be dismissed. But there's been a 40 percent reduction in SEEC staff over the years. It also raised the limit on qualifying contributions to $250.

There were some concerns raised about the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling, which threw out prohibitions on independent expenditures by corporations and unions. McLachlan objected to provisions adopted in 2013 that allowed the state parties to make unlimited expenditures on Connecticut legislative races. There had been a limit of $10,000. He says a candidate's friends or family could be directed to give thousands of dollars through the state parties.

]]>Danbury Board of Ed looks to make funding case to City officialshttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/9bf30ce8d694e80b0e36376f4aecbaba
Mon, 19 Feb 2018 05:14:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/9bf30ce8d694e80b0e36376f4aecbabaA budget workshop meeting is being held in Danbury Wednesday night.

The Board of Education hopes to present to City officials their arguments for a proposed $135 dollar budget. The 5.5 percent increase is about $7 million. In the recent past, the City Council and the Mayor have only granted a portion of what Board of Ed members has requested. Mayor Mark Boughton is expected to release his budget for the coming fiscal year in April.

School officials say smaller-than-requested increases have not kept pace with enrollment and cuts in state funding. Danbury is last in per-pupil funding of the state's 169 cities and towns.

The workshop Wednesday is at 6pm at the administrative offices on Beaver Brook Road.

]]>A budget workshop meeting is being held in Danbury Wednesday night.

The Board of Education hopes to present to City officials their arguments for a proposed $135 dollar budget. The 5.5 percent increase is about $7 million. In the recent past, the City Council and the Mayor have only granted a portion of what Board of Ed members has requested. Mayor Mark Boughton is expected to release his budget for the coming fiscal year in April.

School officials say smaller-than-requested increases have not kept pace with enrollment and cuts in state funding. Danbury is last in per-pupil funding of the state's 169 cities and towns.

The workshop Wednesday is at 6pm at the administrative offices on Beaver Brook Road.

]]>Danbury delcares snow emergencyhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/10f17b8760e6a2335cadcbafc291e187
Sat, 17 Feb 2018 16:55:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/10f17b8760e6a2335cadcbafc291e187Danbury has declared a Level 1 Snow Emergency ahead of tonight's storm. People have up to one hour after the start of the storm to move cars off the street so plows can go out without any obstructions and clear the roads. Residents are also required to shovel in front of their homes after the storm.
]]>Danbury has declared a Level 1 Snow Emergency ahead of tonight's storm. People have up to one hour after the start of the storm to move cars off the street so plows can go out without any obstructions and clear the roads. Residents are also required to shovel in front of their homes after the storm.
]]>Three injured when truck crashes into househttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/3b70a38425f357fe2885c6b1b0abd83e
Sat, 17 Feb 2018 08:02:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/3b70a38425f357fe2885c6b1b0abd83eA pick up truck crashed into a Danbury house early this morning,sending three people to the hospital. Firefighters responded to West Wooster Street at Garfield Avenue shortly before 4am. A Ford pickup truck careened into a house injuring the driver and two occupants. Fire Department officials say all injuries appeared to be minor. The Red Cross was requested to assist the remaining occupants due to the damage.

]]>A pick up truck crashed into a Danbury house early this morning,sending three people to the hospital. Firefighters responded to West Wooster Street at Garfield Avenue shortly before 4am. A Ford pickup truck careened into a house injuring the driver and two occupants. Fire Department officials say all injuries appeared to be minor. The Red Cross was requested to assist the remaining occupants due to the damage.

]]>Bethel High School marks National Random Acts of Kindness Weekhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/19681a3d74e98c086f7957a2d2d718bd
Sat, 17 Feb 2018 05:37:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/19681a3d74e98c086f7957a2d2d718bdThis was National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Bethel High School students and staff came together to support local and national charities through various events during the week, culminating in an assembly Friday. Students wore tie-dye t-shirts in honor for TamboStrong, an organization to benefit the Tamburino family. Mike Tamburino was diagnosed with ALS last year, his wife Lois is an ISS teacher at BHS and their children are all recent BHS graduates.

The Kindness Committee includes five students who helped organized Spirit Week activities for the school community to participate in.

Senior Catherine Galliford says their first big project was to participate in World Kindness Day in November. They saw different instances of intolerance and hatred, not just in the school, and wanted to take a stand against it. Galliford added that seeing the proliferation of hatred turned her more cynical and she didn’t like the feeling.

Junior Audrey Garcia says the fall Spirit Week gets a lot of hype because it’s a competition and they wanted to channel that energy into this cause. The “Kindness Games” week involved a different charity each day, and students were encouraged to wear a specific color. Points were given to each grade level for their participation in the various activities. For example, students wore wearing orange on Monday and brought in canned goods to support the Bethel Food Pantry.

Throughout the week, a Penny Wars took place. Jars labeled by grade were placed around the school to collect pennies for TamboStrong.

Tuesday was “Make a Wish Foundation” Day. Senior Emily Lane says they received information about four children, and each grade wrote letters to those kids. She says the community really comes together for students in need, and they want to show that kindness to others. Some of the funds in the Kindness Account was used to buy gifts for the children. At the end of the week, each of the four kids were sent a bag of supportive letters and a present.

Junior Anne Habeck says they sold carnations on Valentine’s Day and hosted a “speed friending” event. Like speed dating, the students reached out beyond their established group. Seniors and Sophomores got together, and the Juniors and Freshmen got together. Students reached out between grade levels to get to know other students at the school.

The JROTC program at BHS spearheaded Thursday’s Spirit Day, raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Patrick Joyce says they received merchandise from the organization, which were each sold for $1. The class contributing the most to got the kindness points for that day. Joyce notes that they also featured a video Thursday from the Wounded Warrior Project about how people can help them out during the year.

Joyce says this week is more personable than the fall Spirit Week, because many of the students know Lois Tamburino. Since it hits home, he says students who might not normally participate have done so this week.

About 500 tie-dye t-shirts were sold to benefit TamboStrong in the lead up to Kindness Week.

Assistant Principal Mari Lerz says the inspiration for the Kindness Committee came from various programs in place elsewhere. She says they wanted to make something uniquely Bethel, while teaching similar values. They looked at what Sandy Hook Promise and Ben’s Bells have to offer and created their own Kindness Program. It started small with World Kindness Day in November, followed by a gratitude and thankfulness advisory around Thanksgiving. Lerz says the kids came up with the idea to support five different charities during this National Random Acts of Kindness Week, while making it fun and interactive.

Lerz says she’s very proud of the students on the Kindness Committee, who are working to make the school and the town a better place.
]]>This was National Random Acts of Kindness Week. Bethel High School students and staff came together to support local and national charities through various events during the week, culminating in an assembly Friday. Students wore tie-dye t-shirts in honor for TamboStrong, an organization to benefit the Tamburino family. Mike Tamburino was diagnosed with ALS last year, his wife Lois is an ISS teacher at BHS and their children are all recent BHS graduates.

The Kindness Committee includes five students who helped organized Spirit Week activities for the school community to participate in.

Senior Catherine Galliford says their first big project was to participate in World Kindness Day in November. They saw different instances of intolerance and hatred, not just in the school, and wanted to take a stand against it. Galliford added that seeing the proliferation of hatred turned her more cynical and she didn’t like the feeling.

Junior Audrey Garcia says the fall Spirit Week gets a lot of hype because it’s a competition and they wanted to channel that energy into this cause. The “Kindness Games” week involved a different charity each day, and students were encouraged to wear a specific color. Points were given to each grade level for their participation in the various activities. For example, students wore wearing orange on Monday and brought in canned goods to support the Bethel Food Pantry.

Throughout the week, a Penny Wars took place. Jars labeled by grade were placed around the school to collect pennies for TamboStrong.

Tuesday was “Make a Wish Foundation” Day. Senior Emily Lane says they received information about four children, and each grade wrote letters to those kids. She says the community really comes together for students in need, and they want to show that kindness to others. Some of the funds in the Kindness Account was used to buy gifts for the children. At the end of the week, each of the four kids were sent a bag of supportive letters and a present.

Junior Anne Habeck says they sold carnations on Valentine’s Day and hosted a “speed friending” event. Like speed dating, the students reached out beyond their established group. Seniors and Sophomores got together, and the Juniors and Freshmen got together. Students reached out between grade levels to get to know other students at the school.

The JROTC program at BHS spearheaded Thursday’s Spirit Day, raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. Patrick Joyce says they received merchandise from the organization, which were each sold for $1. The class contributing the most to got the kindness points for that day. Joyce notes that they also featured a video Thursday from the Wounded Warrior Project about how people can help them out during the year.

Joyce says this week is more personable than the fall Spirit Week, because many of the students know Lois Tamburino. Since it hits home, he says students who might not normally participate have done so this week.

About 500 tie-dye t-shirts were sold to benefit TamboStrong in the lead up to Kindness Week.

Assistant Principal Mari Lerz says the inspiration for the Kindness Committee came from various programs in place elsewhere. She says they wanted to make something uniquely Bethel, while teaching similar values. They looked at what Sandy Hook Promise and Ben’s Bells have to offer and created their own Kindness Program. It started small with World Kindness Day in November, followed by a gratitude and thankfulness advisory around Thanksgiving. Lerz says the kids came up with the idea to support five different charities during this National Random Acts of Kindness Week, while making it fun and interactive.

Lerz says she’s very proud of the students on the Kindness Committee, who are working to make the school and the town a better place.
]]>Danbury, Brookfield fire recruits start training programhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/e4f9157f273a14a9fb02db54a09c8169
Sat, 17 Feb 2018 05:25:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/e4f9157f273a14a9fb02db54a09c8169Five new Danbury Fire Department recruits have started the training program at the Connecticut Fire Academy. Department officials say the program is an 18 week course that will prepare them for a safe and healthy career as firefighters.

Two Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company firefighters have started at the Connecticut Fire Academy in the Recruit program. It runs 40 or more hours a week and is wraps up at the end of May. Fire officials say the intense program covers all disciplines of firefighting, technical rescue and Haz-Mat. The recruits are paying their own tuition and the company is the sponsoring agency.

There are 46 members in the class.

]]>Five new Danbury Fire Department recruits have started the training program at the Connecticut Fire Academy. Department officials say the program is an 18 week course that will prepare them for a safe and healthy career as firefighters.

Two Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company firefighters have started at the Connecticut Fire Academy in the Recruit program. It runs 40 or more hours a week and is wraps up at the end of May. Fire officials say the intense program covers all disciplines of firefighting, technical rescue and Haz-Mat. The recruits are paying their own tuition and the company is the sponsoring agency.

There are 46 members in the class.

]]>Newtown school buses to test alternate entrance to Reed Schoolhttp://98q.com/local-news-stories/d48f4bfa21541d21d448f023723d377a
Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:20:00 -0600http://98q.com/local-news-stories/d48f4bfa21541d21d448f023723d377aThe Newtown Police Commission agreed to a 2-week safety test period of school buses using an alternate accessway to Reed Intermediate School. The Board of Education voted to change school start times and some buses are looking to use Old Farm Road between 8:50am and 9am. All-Star Transportation believes this will alleviate traffic at the Mile Hill Road-Wasserman Way-Trades Lane intersection. Reed School custodial staff will chain and unchain the gates each morning. The Commission will meet March 6th and reevaluate the situation.
]]>The Newtown Police Commission agreed to a 2-week safety test period of school buses using an alternate accessway to Reed Intermediate School. The Board of Education voted to change school start times and some buses are looking to use Old Farm Road between 8:50am and 9am. All-Star Transportation believes this will alleviate traffic at the Mile Hill Road-Wasserman Way-Trades Lane intersection. Reed School custodial staff will chain and unchain the gates each morning. The Commission will meet March 6th and reevaluate the situation.
]]>